Abstract
Actinomyces species are Gram positive anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria that are part of the human flora in the oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract. In the presence of a mucosal injury, they can become pathogenic and infect the underlying tissue without respect for tissue planes, leading to abscesses, fistulas, and sinus tracts. Through contiguous and hematogenous spread, virtually any organ can become infected. The presentation can be myriad and often mimics tumors, tuberculosis, or other more common infections and inflammatory conditions. While the cervicofacial region is the most common site of infection, involvement of the esophagus is unusual. Esophageal actinomycosis mostly occurs in patients with compromised immunity or prior esophageal injuries. Occurrence in immunocompetent individuals without risk factors is exceedingly rare. We report a case of esophageal actinomycosis complicated by an esophageal stricture in a patient with no apparent predisposing conditions.
Highlights
Actinomyces species are Gram positive anaerobic or microaerophilic filamentous bacteria belonging to the family Actinomycetaceae [1, 2]
We report a case of esophageal actinomycosis complicated by an esophageal stricture in a patient with no clear underlying risk factors
Actinomyces are human commensal bacteria that only trigger an infection in the presence of an impaired mucosal defense, often due to surgery, trauma, foreign instrumentation, inflammation, or immunocompromising comorbidities [4, 6, 10, 11]
Summary
Actinomyces species are Gram positive anaerobic or microaerophilic filamentous bacteria belonging to the family Actinomycetaceae [1, 2]. These organisms are found in soil and exist in humans as part of the oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal (GI), and genitourinary (GU) flora. The majority of esophageal actinomycosis occurs in patients with immunocompromising comorbidities or prior esophageal injuries [6]. Very rarely, it has been observed in immunocompetent patients [6,7,8,9]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind to be reported in the United States
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
